Lana Turner is Diane. Well, who is she? As this film says, she was a courtesan in good with the court of King Francis I. Pedro Armendáriz plays a very convincing King Francis I, who has agreed with the de Medicis that their daughter shall marry into their family. But complications arise. Lana plays Diane with conviction, but this film really belongs to Marisa Pavan as Catherine de Medici. This was probably Pavan's finest hour, as she fleshes Catherine out into a very passionate and misunderstood person. To watch Pavan, as Catherine de Medici experiences what she feels is an injustice to her sensibilities and an insult to her as a woman and a Queen is simply something to behold. Roger Moore is good as Prince Henri but manages to be overshadowed by Pavan's acting chops and Lana's loveliness. As usual, Henry Daniell is on hand with his duplicitous nature. All in all, if you get a chance to see Diane, the film, watch it. It is one of Lana's better films in her later years. And, while it may take some liberties with some of the facts, you'll see Diane vs. Catherine de Medici.
Review of Diane
